SAO PAULO, March 15 — Neymar has been forced to withdraw from Brazil’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to a thigh injury, derailing his much-anticipated return to the national team.
SAO PAULO, March 15 — Neymar has been forced to withdraw from Brazil’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina due to a thigh injury, derailing his much-anticipated return to the national team.
The Brazilian star had been sidelined from international duty for nearly a year and a half due to injuries but showed promising form since rejoining Santos in February. However, persistent discomfort in his left thigh over the past two weeks has kept him from making his comeback.
Expressing his disappointment in an Instagram story, Neymar wrote, “The return felt so close, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to wear the most important jersey in the world just yet.”
“We had long discussions, and everyone knows how much I want to return, but we agreed that it’s best not to take any risks and focus on a full recovery,” he added.
With Brazil currently in fifth place in South American World Cup qualifying, coach Dorival Junior had recalled Neymar, the national team’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals, for the first time since October 2023.
In his absence, Real Madrid’s rising star Endrick will step in.
Brazil will face Colombia in Brasília on March 20 before heading to Buenos Aires for a high-stakes clash against reigning champions Argentina on March 25.
Neymar, 33, had recently ended a 14-month goal drought, scoring for Santos two weeks ago in his return to the club where he began his career. — AFP
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